Important Things You Should Understand Regarding Acne Scars

Blocked skin pores often causes acne. Body areas containing sebaceous glands are usually affected most. These glands are the ones that make up the oily substance known as sebum. Such glands are located on the neck, face, upper arms, shoulders, and back. The wounds on the skin that are caused by inflamed lesions will become acne scars.

These lesions are noticable when bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells block pores. If the pore is clogged, it can expand and result in a break in the wall of the follicle. If this occurs close to the surface of the skin, the lesion will be minor and will heal quickly. If there is a deep break in the wall of the follicle, the infected material will spill into the dermis and will destroy healthy skin tissue.

The skin will begin producing new collagen fibers to fix the damage. These consist of fibrous protein matter which is what gives the skin its flexibility and strength. Sometimes, though, excess collagen forms, leaving the skin rougher than normal.

When this happens, there may be scarring and this can take on different visual characteristics. Ice pick scars are the most common. They are narrow and deep and form pits within the skin. Rolling scars look like waves on the skin and their appearance is shallow, but wide.

Boxcar scars are much like chickenpox in appearance. They show up most often on the cheeks and temples and have angled edges. Hypertrophic scars are generally raised from the skin and are usually located near the main lesion. Over time, these scars decrease. Keloid scars branch out from the initial site of the lesion and are comprosed of excessive tissue growth. These are firm but rubbery and sometimes are quite itchy. These scars often grow bigger than the initial lesion.

Since acne scarring is inside the skin, it is tough to improve its appearance. The treatment options for scarring are diverse and have to be discussed with your practitioner in order to find the most suitable option. Dermabrasion is one option and is used to remove the epidermis as well as sections of the dermis. Although deep dermabrasion is said to be more effective, the healing time is much longer and it also carries a much higher risk of complications. Chemical peels have also proven to be effective.

Subcision is sometimes chosen to improve atrophic scars. With deep ice pick scars, removing the scar is occasionally possible. Acne scars have also been treated quite effectively by using laser treatment.

Want to learn how to get rid of acne scars fast with all natural home remedies? Find out in our acne scar treatment guide.